When he first appears on the 1881 census he is living with his family at an unspecified address in East Wittering. The family had returned to West Wittering by the time of the 1891 census, shown living at Joy Cottage before moving to Cockbush Road by the time of the 1901 census. Albert was not listed at the family home on the two latter records; in 1891 he was working as a grocer's assistant and boarding at the home of his brother-in-law and employer Edward Bolt, a grocer, in New Fishbourne, Sussex. Bolt was married to Albert's sister Mary Ann. On the 1901 census he was shown as a lodger at 54 Tollington Road, Highbury, London, still described as a grocer's assistant. What became of his parents is not clear but it would appear that they had both passed away sometime prior to 1911.

He joined the Royal Navy as a cook on 27 April 1904, his first ship being Good Hope. He would also serve aboard Furious, Pandora, Crescent, Psyche and Terrible, winding up his naval career on 29 November 1909 aboard Victory, being discharged due to lack of suitability. His conduct varied from good to bad and he spent at least two occasions in the cells for misconduct. Physically he was described as standing at 5' 7" and had brown hair, grey eyes and a sallow complexion. He also shaved a year from his true age.

Locke presumably joined the merchant service following his departure from the Navy although this is not clear.

When he signed-on to the Titanic on 10 April 1912 Locke gave his local address as 309 Portswood Road, Southampton and his age as 33. His last ship had been the Avon and as a Scullion he received monthly wages of £3, 10s. Locke was taken on as a substitute at the last minute and had to sign-on aboard ship.

Albert Locke died in the sinking and his body if recovered, was never identified.